Investigation of waste alkali-activated cementing material using municipal solid waste incineration fly ash and dravite as precursors: Mechanisms, performance, and on-site application

The proper treatment of municipal solid waste incineration fly ash (MSWIFA) is a crucial concern due to its hazardous nature and potential environmental harm. To address this issue, this study innovatively utilized dravite and black liquor to solidify MSWIFA. The semi-dry pressing method was employed, resulting in the production of waste alkali-activated cementing material (WACM). This material demonstrated impressive compressive and flexural strength, reaching 45.89 MPa and 6.55 MPa respectively, and effectively solidified heavy metal ions (Pb, Cr, Cu, Cd, and Zn). The leaching concentrations of these ions decreased from 27.15, 10.36, 8.94, 7.00, and 104.4 mg/L to 0.13, 1.05, 0.29, 0.06, and 12.28 mg/L, respectively. The strength of WACM increased by 3 times compared to conventionally produced materials. Furthermore, WACM exhibited excellent long-term performance, with acceptable heavy metal leaching and minimal mechanical degradation. Experimental and theoretical analyses revealed the heavy metal solidification mechanisms, including chemical binding, ion substitution and physical encapsulation. Finally, the on-site application of WACM confirmed its feasibility in meeting both environmental and strength requirements.